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Don't Fear the Reaper: Why Every Author Needs an Editor
You may be asking
• Should I hire an editor?
• What kind of editor do I need?
• How much will professional editing cost?
• Where can I find an editor?
• What will an editor expect from me?
• What can I expect from an editor?
Don't Fear the Why Every Author Needs an Editor answers these questions and more, while also
• Advice on self-editing
• How to best prepare your book for an editor
• How to make an editor not like you so much
• Why patience is key in writing and publishing
Bonus chapters include the inspiring "Unveiling Validation's Hiding How to Defeat Every Writer's Nightmare," with guest appearances (quotes) by the likes of John Steinbeck, Stephen King, and Anne Lamott, and the resourceful "20 Must-Read Books on Writing and Publishing."
As menacing as editors may appear, you have no need to fear them. They may slice and dice your words and ideas, but they're on your side.
Don't Fear the Reaper will help you make the most of your writer/editor relationship while encouraging you to keep pursuing the writing craft—one that admits no masters, but only lifelong students.
• Should I hire an editor?
• What kind of editor do I need?
• How much will professional editing cost?
• Where can I find an editor?
• What will an editor expect from me?
• What can I expect from an editor?
Don't Fear the Why Every Author Needs an Editor answers these questions and more, while also
• Advice on self-editing
• How to best prepare your book for an editor
• How to make an editor not like you so much
• Why patience is key in writing and publishing
Bonus chapters include the inspiring "Unveiling Validation's Hiding How to Defeat Every Writer's Nightmare," with guest appearances (quotes) by the likes of John Steinbeck, Stephen King, and Anne Lamott, and the resourceful "20 Must-Read Books on Writing and Publishing."
As menacing as editors may appear, you have no need to fear them. They may slice and dice your words and ideas, but they're on your side.
Don't Fear the Reaper will help you make the most of your writer/editor relationship while encouraging you to keep pursuing the writing craft—one that admits no masters, but only lifelong students.
- GenresNonfictionWriting
152 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
About the author
Blake Atwood
6 books40 followersBlake Atwood partners with nonfiction authors (like James Clear and Jefferson Fisher) to craft life-changing books. He is a book coach, developmental editor, ghostwriter, and author.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 20, 2015
I found a lot of useful information in this book, and there are also quite a few inspirational moments that make you itch with writing motivation.
I should get it in paperback and highlight and reread paragraphs before I did down to write :)))
I should get it in paperback and highlight and reread paragraphs before I did down to write :)))
May 10, 2017
Aspects I Enjoyed:
~This was an enjoyable short eBook on how the Editing process works at a professional level, and while this book gave much needed advice and was very practical, I would mostly recommend this for first-time authors or authors with minimal experience with the Editing and Publishing Industry.
~After reading this, I felt inspired to return to writing and felt much better about my current writing progress (or more importantly, the lack there of it).
~I particularly liked the Afterword with all the various Writing Resources at the end, most of the books are known to me, but it’s still a good thing to have.
Aspects That Could Have Been Improved
~From my perspective, Blake Atwood is writing this short eBook for new authors or authors with little one-on-one experience, I would have thought he would mention Writer’s Beware in order for first time authors to avoid editing and self-publishing scams.
~Blake Atwood also mentions how while the self-publishing industry provides easy access, it also offers low chances of success. I would have felt this claim more valid if perhaps Blake Atwood had provided some statistics or other valid research material alongside it.
Overall, an enjoyable non-fiction read about Editing that I would recommend for inexperienced Authors
~This was an enjoyable short eBook on how the Editing process works at a professional level, and while this book gave much needed advice and was very practical, I would mostly recommend this for first-time authors or authors with minimal experience with the Editing and Publishing Industry.
~After reading this, I felt inspired to return to writing and felt much better about my current writing progress (or more importantly, the lack there of it).
~I particularly liked the Afterword with all the various Writing Resources at the end, most of the books are known to me, but it’s still a good thing to have.
Aspects That Could Have Been Improved
~From my perspective, Blake Atwood is writing this short eBook for new authors or authors with little one-on-one experience, I would have thought he would mention Writer’s Beware in order for first time authors to avoid editing and self-publishing scams.
~Blake Atwood also mentions how while the self-publishing industry provides easy access, it also offers low chances of success. I would have felt this claim more valid if perhaps Blake Atwood had provided some statistics or other valid research material alongside it.
Overall, an enjoyable non-fiction read about Editing that I would recommend for inexperienced Authors
July 23, 2017
A lot to chew on
This book covers a lot of important material that is especially relevant for supporting and early career authors, and anyone who's considering self-publishing for the first time. Blake distills a number of lessons that I had to learn the hard way, while also offering many new ideas to consider. I suspect I'll be revisiting my notes in this one often.
This book covers a lot of important material that is especially relevant for supporting and early career authors, and anyone who's considering self-publishing for the first time. Blake distills a number of lessons that I had to learn the hard way, while also offering many new ideas to consider. I suspect I'll be revisiting my notes in this one often.
March 22, 2015
Author Blake Atwood / Reviewed by Felita Daniels / 153 Pages
This is a helpful book. It is especially important for that first-time, self-publishing writer that needs an editor. Someone new to the industry may not know what the different types of editing are, which they need, and what are reasonable prices for these services. These questions are answered.
I didn’t like that the author advertises his own editing services in multiple places in the work. There were also places where he reiterated the same pieces of information and concepts. This made me doubt his editorial skills.
I did like that he tried to help the writer to understand the proper mindset and prepare the writer emotionally for being edited.
“In a later chapter, we’ll discuss much more about that first reaction to being edited, but for now, know that being open to becoming a better writer- and being open to even the most heinous of edits- is a character trait of all serious writers.”
Helpful, but a great deal of this information could have been found online with some targeted search queries.
This book was provided free in order to read and write an honest review.
This is a helpful book. It is especially important for that first-time, self-publishing writer that needs an editor. Someone new to the industry may not know what the different types of editing are, which they need, and what are reasonable prices for these services. These questions are answered.
I didn’t like that the author advertises his own editing services in multiple places in the work. There were also places where he reiterated the same pieces of information and concepts. This made me doubt his editorial skills.
I did like that he tried to help the writer to understand the proper mindset and prepare the writer emotionally for being edited.
“In a later chapter, we’ll discuss much more about that first reaction to being edited, but for now, know that being open to becoming a better writer- and being open to even the most heinous of edits- is a character trait of all serious writers.”
Helpful, but a great deal of this information could have been found online with some targeted search queries.
This book was provided free in order to read and write an honest review.
February 5, 2015
OK, I'll admit it. I'm a closet / wanna-be author and I've read my fair share of writing books and blogs. I grabbed this book more on an impulse and am glad that I did. Atwood, being an editor, makes a very compelling argument for hiring an editor for your writing projects. He also provides useful tips on acquiring an editor, interviewing editors, what types of editors there are and how to work with editors. It was very practical and if I ever come out of the closet and actually write something I'll most assuredly pull this book back out to review. The last chapter talks more about the motivations to write and how we measure writing success. It was a very compelling chapter and may have inspired me to carve out a few hours of my day to write. We'll see. If you are a writer, especially a self-publishing writer, then I'd highly recommend this book.
April 8, 2015
I received this book from Story Cartel in return for a review. It contains lots of handy advice: 10 steps to better self-editing; guidelines to prep your book for editing; and how to avoid upsetting your editor. For the new writer, detailed explanations are given for the different types of editing your manuscript might need before it is considered publishable. At the very least you need a copy editor. Advice is also given on how to find such editors, and naturally he is going to mention himself (I didn't think overdid it - just). There is an interesting list of books given at the end. I didn't really learn anything new, as I already have two or three dedicated self-editing manuals. Still, this is a good addition to my library. I love the chapter on how you need to separate yourself from your book to cope with the different ways of seeking validation. Sound advice.
November 1, 2015
Telling It Like It Is
In the interest of full disclosure, I too, like the author, am an editor. I found this book refreshingly succinct, full of helpful advice, from what editorial services cost to why editing is so vital and even to what it is that gives writers a sense of validation. In fact, I wish I had written this book. I would not have done much differently. Now that we can each be Gutenberg, and many, many, MANY of us are publishing our own books, the glut on the market of what Atwood calls "uncooked books" is staggering. So, Authors, read this book. It's quick, it's the truth (The Truth) for writers, and it will make a huge difference for you and your readers--may they be legion!
In the interest of full disclosure, I too, like the author, am an editor. I found this book refreshingly succinct, full of helpful advice, from what editorial services cost to why editing is so vital and even to what it is that gives writers a sense of validation. In fact, I wish I had written this book. I would not have done much differently. Now that we can each be Gutenberg, and many, many, MANY of us are publishing our own books, the glut on the market of what Atwood calls "uncooked books" is staggering. So, Authors, read this book. It's quick, it's the truth (The Truth) for writers, and it will make a huge difference for you and your readers--may they be legion!
March 9, 2015
I received this Book for free in exchange for an honest review. This book was an easy read the provide valuable information on the editing process and had a great tips on things I could do to self edit my own book. I would recommend it to anyone who has recently completed their first draft of their own book.
June 10, 2015
In a style similar to Strunk and White in Elements of Style and Brohaugh in Write Tight, Atwood opens (aspiring) writers' eyes to the other side of writing--editing. I wish I'd had this book before I submitted my first manuscript to an editor. I could have saved the two of us a headache. The last chapter on validation is particularly poignant for less confident wordsmiths.
December 19, 2014
Everyone needs an editor
Atwood spells out the five W's of needing an editor in this short book. Even more, he councils the would be author in how to develop a working relationship with an editor, what to expect, and what to avoid.
Atwood spells out the five W's of needing an editor in this short book. Even more, he councils the would be author in how to develop a working relationship with an editor, what to expect, and what to avoid.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews